Page 397 - Introduction To Sociology

Chapter 17 | Government and Politics 389
17.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power
Sociologists use frameworks to gain perspective on data and observations related to the study of power and government. Functionalism suggests that societal power and structure is predicated on cooperation, interdependence, and shared goals or values. Conflict theory, rooted in Marxism, asserts that societal structures are the result of social groups competing for wealth and influence. Symbolic interactionism examines a smaller realm of sociological interest: the individual’s perception of symbols of power and their subsequent reaction to the face-to-face interactions of the political realm.
Section Quiz
17.1 Power and Authority
1. Which statement best expresses the difference between power and authority?
a. Authority involves intimidation.
b. Authority is more subtle than power.
c. Authority is based on the perceived legitimacy of the individual in power.
d. Authority is inherited, but power is seized by military force.
2. Which of the following types of authority does not reside primarily in a leader? a. Dictatorial
b. Traditional
c. Charismatic d. Legal-rational
3. In the U.S. Senate, it is customary to assign each senator a seniority ranking based on years of government service and the population of the state he or she represents. A top ranking gives the senator priority for assignments to office space, committee chair positions, and seating on the senate floor. What type of authority does this example best illustrate?
a. Dictatorial
b. Traditional
c. Charismatic d. Legal-rational
4. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. used his public speaking abilities and magnetism to inspire African Americans to stand up against injustice in an extremely hostile environment. He is an example of a(n) __________ leader.
a. traditional
b. charismatic c. legal-rational d. illegitimate
5. Which current world figure has the least amount of political power?
a. President Barack Obama
b. Queen Elizabeth II
c. British Prime Minister David Cameron
d. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un
6. Which statement best expresses why there have been so few charismatic female leaders throughout history?
a. Women have different leadership styles than men.
b. Women are not interested in leading at all.
c. Few women have had the opportunity to hold leadership roles over the courseof history.
d. Male historians have refused to acknowledge the contributions of female leaders in their records.
17.2 Forms of Government
7. Many constitutional monarchies started out as: a. oligarchies
b. absolute monarchies c. dictatorships
d. democracies
8. Which nation is an absolute monarchy? a. Oman
b. Great Britain c. Denmark